Based on true events, as the film immediately informs viewers, Big Miracle tells the story of three whales trapped by ice in Alaska. Although the movie is suitable for family viewing, there seems to be an emphasis on engaging with adults.
News reporter Adam Carlson is covering minor news items in small town Alaska when he discovers three whales trapped by the ice. His news report mobilises Greenpeace activist Rachel Kramer to start a campaign to help free the mammals. Given the depth of ice that surrounds the whales, Adam and Rachel require help in their mission…
Big Miracle can be a little schmaltzy at times, however it is not relentlessly sentimental. Given the premise of the film, this could easily have been a possibility. Big Miracle offers enough of a story to entertain viewers. Perhaps the movie would have benefitted from more drama, however not everything in the narrative goes quite as expected. For those unfamiliar with this news story from 1988, Big Miracle should prove an interesting tale.
The film features a good mix of reenactment and actual news footage. Additionally, there is a considerable amount of staged news footage. This functions to highlight exactly how big a story this was. Screenwriters Jack Amiel and Michael Begler are wise to focus on news reporter Adam and his view of unfolding events. The protagonist’s angle is that of an outsider, but one who is sympathetic to the locals.
Perhaps the main reason that Big Miracle feels like it is aimed at adults and not children is the emphasis on the logistics of the rescue. The film depicts the different political forces at work behind the scenes, and the struggles Greenpeace protestor Rachel and others have in getting help. The rescue mission was far more complex than initially thought, and various parties had different reasons for getting involved. Big Miracle astutely refuses to gloss over the fact that it was a PR stunt for many who were involved with the rescue.
John Krasinski delivers a decent performance as Adam. Drew Barrymore brings her usual passion as Rachel, while Ted Danson plays up to his caricature as J. W. McGraw. Amaogak Sweeney is amusing as young sidekick Nathan.
Big Miracle is unlikely to be considered a must-see film by many. Nevertheless, it is well executed, and sufficiently entertaining.
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